Question :

Someone just sent me a file over WeTransfer. After downloading it turns out to be a .zip-file, but when I double-click on it to unzip as usual, the Archive Utility does start the unzipping but ends in an error each time, claiming the .zip-file is broken.

I’m pretty sure the .zip-file isn’t broken… what can I do ?

Answer :

Even though OSX/macOS’s built-in Archive Utility is your default choice for zipping and unzipping files and folders, it turn out not to be the best choice for unzipping. (Especially .zip-files created on Windows PCs seem to be problematic every now and then…)

The solution is simple : just use an other app to unzip.

There are various payed alternatives like Stuffit Expander and WinZIP, but there’s no need to buy an app for this as most FREE apps ( like The Unarchiver ) will do just fine.

To install & use another app to unzip do this :

• download a FREE zip/unzip-app from the Mac AppStore
• after installation, lookup the .zip-file on your Mac ( it will probably still be in your Downloads folder or on your Desktop )
• right-click on the .zip-file’s icon and select “Open with…” from the pop-up menu
• then choose your zip/unzip-app from the list
• …and wait for the file to unzip

That’s it ! enjoy 😉